Trick-or-treat in Dublin runs 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.

The city follows the regional date recommended by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Because Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, MORPC's guideline calls for trick-or-treating the Thursday before Oct. 31. When Halloween lands on a Monday through Thursday, the commission recommends going out on Oct. 31 itself.

Columbus, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Gahanna and Grove City have all adopted the same Oct. 29 date and 6-to-8 p.m. window, NBC4 reported.

The city's trick-or-treat page urged families to help keep the evening safe for children. MORPC noted that the recommended date will not change for bad weather and encouraged parents to use their own judgment if conditions are poor.

Each community can still set its own date. Dublin's decision to follow MORPC keeps it in sync with most of its neighbors.

More Dublin Halloween events

The city's Halloween Spooktacular returns to Coffman Park on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16 with a Trunk-or-Treat Trail featuring more than 20 local businesses and community organizations. The trail runs 4 to 7:45 p.m. Oct. 15 and 1 to 4:45 p.m. Oct. 16. A sensory-friendly session with minimal lights and sounds is available 1 to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 16.

Complimentary timed tickets are required for the Trunk-or-Treat Trail, and Dublin residents can reserve them starting Monday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m., one week earlier than in previous years. School-district residents and nonresidents can claim remaining tickets starting 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Each child ages 2 to 12 needs one ticket, with a maximum of five per household. Adults and infants do not need tickets. Residents who need help reserving online can call (614) 410-4545.

Pumpkin Creations costs $5 per child. Most other activities are free. All events are outdoors in the south end of Coffman Park near the East and West Shelter Houses.

Boo & Brew at Bridge Park is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21, with candy from Bridge Park businesses, a costume competition, face painting and a balloon artist.

Upcoming Dublin Halloween calendar

• Oct. 5 — Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat Trail tickets open to Dublin residents (10 a.m.)
• Oct. 8 — Remaining Spooktacular tickets open to nonresidents (5 p.m.)
• Oct. 15 — Halloween Spooktacular, Coffman Park (4–7:45 p.m.)
• Oct. 16 — Halloween Spooktacular, Coffman Park (1–4:45 p.m.; sensory-friendly 1–1:30 p.m.)
• Oct. 21 — Boo & Brew at Bridge Park
• Oct. 29 — Trick-or-treat citywide (6–8 p.m.)